“I have received two anonymous letters in my mailbox over a 12 month period threatening my dogs’ lives,” Ms Blake said.

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“And three of my neighbours have also received letters over a period of three or four years threatening the lives’ of their dogs.”

She said anonymously threatening people’s pets was a cowardly way to communicate.

“The letters referred to barking. If someone is irritated or negatively affected by something, the intelligent thing to do is talk to the other relevant party and try to come up with a solution.”

Ms Blake said in Ralf’s case his death could have been an accidental or intentional poisoning.

However, because Ralf suffered from cerebral damage, an epileptic seizure near the water leading to him drowning could not be ruled out.

She also called the pieces of chicken suspicious, but said a test needed to confirm if they were laced with poison.

Ms Blake did say her veterinary practice had received similar cases in the past and that “some years ago a spate of Strychnine poisonings occurred around Cabarita Avenue, Forster”.

“The Hawryluks’ previous puppy, Sam, was also found dead in the waterway,” she said.

“And some time ago another of our clients found their dog dead in the waterway at Forster Keys. 

“This was a much older dog, with impaired vision and some senility. Both of the Hawryluks’ dogs were less than 12 months of age.”

Ms Blake said from the perspective of veterinarians, the fact that pets were getting targeted was a serious concern.

“Animals intentionally being targeted, be it poisoning, dog fighting, inflicting pain or injury is abhorrent,” she said.

“A change in attitude toward animals, moving away from the concept that they are just a ‘possession’ and are disposable, toward the concept that they are individuals and sentient beings with the right to a good life, is essential in improving the welfare and lives of companion animals and improving legislation to better protect them.”